Spring cover



Dec. M, 1937. G. vv. CRABTREE SPRING COVER Filed Feb. 18, 1935ZSheetS--Shee :inventor GEORGE W. CRBTREE ttorucg G. `W. CRABTREE SPRINGCOVER Uec. 'M, 1937.l

Filed Feb.` 18, 1935 www 2 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Y :inventor GEORGE W.CRABTREE Gttorneg Patented Dec. 14, 193'] UNirsp sra grati-f 8 Claims.

This invention relates broadly to vehicle spring covers and isparticularly concerned with spring covers of the metallic interttingbox-section type such as that disclosed in my prior PatentrNo.

5 1,981,448 granted November 20, 1934, the primary object being togenerally improve the construction and operating characteristics ofspring covers of this type.

The features of improvement are particularly 10 directed Vtowardrelatively long cover sections having a flexible joint at the pointwhere they overlap or intert with one another, the joint being soconstructed that the sections are permitted full freedom of exure withthe action of the spring without restricting the latter and without theimposition of any strain or localized stress upon the cover sections,while at the same time the joint remains tightly sealed and holds thesections in assembled relation under all con- The sections farepreferably die struck or stamped from sheet metal and the improved jointis so constructed that it may be simultaneously formed during suchstamping operation. Another advantage of the present` improved joint ;5is that it permits ready assemblage of the cover sections on a springirrespective of the camber of the spring.

, Other features include an improved snap-on lock construction for theedge portions of the `0 channels constituting the cover sections, and aseal or felt-retaining means at opposite extremities of the cover whichmay be readily stamped from the sheet metal sections.

The invention further contemplates an im- 5 proved clip member for leafsprings which is particularly adapted for use with spring covers andparticularly covers of the box-section type, said clip being capable ofeconomical .manufacture and easily applied in position ,on a spring.

0 The foregoing and other objects and advantages will become apparent inview of Vthe following description taken inconjunction with thedrawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a 5 spring cover embodyingthe features of the present invention in assembled position on` avehicle spring;

Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section taken on the line 2-2 ofFigure l;

) Figure 3 is a view in perspective, partially broken away, of one ofthe bottom channel members;

Figures S11/and 3b are fragmental perspective viewsof theV adjacenttelescoping end portions of i the top channel members;

Figure 4 isa transverse vertical section taken through the cover,showing the top and bottom channel members in assembled position butwith the spring omitted;

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of the cover of Figure 1, the oneextremity being partly broken away;

Figure 6 is a detail view of a tool adapted for use in removing theimproved cover assembly;

Figures '7 and 8 are detail views in perspective of top and bottom clipmembers which are preierably used with the cover assembly in place ofthe conventional clip;

Figure 9 is a transverse vertical section through a spring and clipapplied thereto; and

Figure 10 is a top plan view of a portion of spring having one of theclips thereon.

AFigure l1 is a broken perspective view oi a modified form of clip.

Referring to Figures l to 5, inclusive, the cover comprises a pluralityof sections which are preferably formed of sheet metal, the sections inassembled relation being indicated at A and B in Figure 5, and thespring being indicated as S throughout the several gures. Each sectioncomprises a top and bottom half, the respective halves or channelmembers of the section A being indicated at 5 and 6, and those of Bindicated'at 5a and 5a. While only two sections are shown in thedrawings, it will be understood that this number may be increased inaccordance with the length of spring to be covered. It is preferred,however, that the sections be relatively long so that in most cases twoor at the most three sections will be sufficient to* completely encasethe spring. The respective halves of each section are preferablychannular or of substan tially U-shape cross section with the sidewalls` of the top and bottom channels overlapping or overlying oneanother to provide a rigid and strong wall construction and at the sametime to afford suicient bearing to support the channels.

The respective halves of each section are substantially similar inconstruction with the eX- ception of certain details oi the telescopingjoint, the construction whereof will subsequently be described. Thebottom channel member 6, as illustrated in Figure 3, comprises a sheetmetal stamping having the upper portion of the side walls bent inwardlyto form strengthening and gripping flanges l. The bottom wall of thechannel 5 is formed with snap-on beads 6 adjacent the corners thereof,the vsaid bead merging into a sloped or tapered edge portion 9. Thecoacting bottom channel member 6a is substantially similar inconstruction to the channel member 6 with the exception of certainchanges in the telescoping joint which are apparent from the sectionalview in Figure 1, hence a detail View of this channel member is omitted.

The top channel 5 is formed as shown in Figures 3a and 4 with the freeends of the side walls pressed inwardly to define a sloping snap-onflange i0 terminating in an upturned retaining lip II, the flange I@ andlip II being adapted for assembled engagement with the coacting wall 9and bead 8 of the channel 5. Each top channel is proportioned relativeto the bottom companion member therefor to snugly engage the upturnedflanges I0 under sumcient tension to cause the bead II to snap intoengagement with the bead 8 when the members are assembled. By this meansthe sections may be easily and quickly mounted upon a spring. With theexception `of the telescoping joint, the top channels 5 and 5a are alsosubstantially similar in construction.

Since'the sections A and B are relatively long to more eiiciently servetheir functions and also to permit economy of manufacture and simplicityof assembly, it is of advantage that a joint be provided at the pointsof engagement of one section with another which will permit free rockingmovement between the cover sections without restricting the flexure ofthe cover or spring. To this end the invention contemplates a coverstructure including a jointed connection which will facilitate the freeflexing action of the cover and spring and at the same time provide anefficient seal against the entrance of foreign matter as well as theescape of a lubricant within the cover.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 3, the joint of the bottomchannel 6 is formed by depressing the top flanges 'I into an arcuateportion I2 which defines the inner extremity of the joint, and beyondthis portion I2 adjacent the end of the cover section forming theflanges with an upwardly bowed or reversely curved portion asillustrated at I3. These portions I2 and I3 provide a bearing surfacewhich is analogous to the pin in a hinge, the complemental joint of thetop section forming the spring plate which rolls or rocks thereover.Lugs I4 are preferably formed intermediate the ends of the arcuatedfianges I3, said lugs being bent downwardly over the complemental jointportions I2aI and I3a formed in the flanges 'Ia of the adjacent channelsection 5a, note particularly Figure 1.

The end portion of the bottom wall of the channel 6 is likewisearcuately formed to define the lower bearing surface I5 of the roller orhinged joint, the snap-on beads 8 and contiguous tapered walls 9 of thecover terminating preferably adjacent the point at which the bottomwalls merge with the arcuate bearing surface I5. The joint bearingsurface I5 engages a complemental surface I5a formed in the adjacentsection 6a.

The arcuate bearing surfaces in the upper sec-V tions are preferablyformed with radii of constant length and from the same center so that inthe manufacture of the parts the upper sections may be struck or pressedfrom the same die. The lower sections, however, are formed with arcuatebearing surfaces developed from the same center as that of the uppersections but varying in radial length with the depth of the sections.Thus, where the cover sections are of different depth to accommodatesprings of variable thicknesses, the radius for the surface I5 may bevaried to accommodate such change but in no case is it necessary tochange the radius for the bearing surface I3 in the upper sections.

The top channels 5 and 5a are cach formed with reversely curved jointportions I6 and Il which are adapted to fit over the bearing surfacesI2V and I3 formed in the telescoping ends of the flanges 'I of thebottom channel 6. The snap-on II vformed in the tapered flanges I0 ofthe top channels 5 and 5a terminate at a point adjacent the arcuatebearing surfaces I5 and I5a of the bottom channels 5 and 5a to permitfree pivotal movement at this point-note particularly Figures 3a and 3b.

In the channel 5a the lips II are cut away as at IBa leaving afiange-free side wall I8-note particularly Figure Sli-having a roundedcorner Ib to permit a free action at this joint.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the structure affords what isin effect a hinged joint in the telescoping extremities of the channelswhich constitute the sections A and B, the joint being readily formedfrom sheet metal and so constructed as to facilitate the ready assemblyof the cover. Thistype of joint provides a snug bearing whichY iscompletely sealed throughout the flexing action of the spring and isalso interlocked lto insure against longitudinal separation of therespective members of the cover and 1ocate the constituent parts of theassembly upon the spring. This type of joint also permits the cover tobe easily installed on a spring regardless Vof whether the latter ispianolinear or formed with an appreciable Camber. It will also be notedthat there is no tendency of the sections to pry themselves open orbecome separated due to the vibratory action or .flexure of the springwhile in service upon the road.

The cover is preferably provided with sealing pads 25 at each extremityof the cover sections, and in order to insure against displacement ofthese pads, Ylocking lugs 2| are provided in the side Walls of thebottom sections. The pads 20 are preferably of felt or light absorbentmaterial, and are clamped by the lugs or ears 2l when the pads areassembled in the channel. The ears ZI may be pierced and formed from thesheet metal side walls of the channel, and the felt pad 2B may beapertured for entry thereover, and the ears then bent or clamped downupon'the pad coincident with the assembly of the cover upon the spring.

The conventional fabric wrappings around the body of the spring are notrequired with the present long section type of cover and in fact areundesirable, since they tend to hinder the distributionof lubricantaround the spring. In the present invention therefore such wrappingshave been eliminated. A lubricating pad 22 along the bottom of thespring has been adopted It will be noted that the cover is in spacedrelation with the spring at the top thereof which provides a chamber 23to retain a lubricant. When the cover is assembled upon the spring thischamber may be supplied with a lubricant so that the flexing action ofthe spring will displace the lubricant and cause in effect a pumpingaction which will force the lubricant between the contiguous leaves ofthe spring.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the side Walls of the inner end ofthe lower section 6a may be cut obliquely upon the line 3) to form tabs3I which may be folded within the contiguous side walls and then forcedupwardly, the bottom wall bending at 32 and the edge of the free end 33abutting the spring. The side walls as shown are formed with slots 34which receive a tongue 35 suitably positioned to engage `one of theslots and sustain the tab in its folded relation.

The manner of assembling the improved cover comprises: mounting the endpads 20.in the opposite extremities of the bottom channel 6 and a, thenpositioning these sections about the spring, next placing the topsections over the side walls of the bottom section with the arcuatebearing surfaces longitudinally adjusted in interengaged relation, thenforcingethe top section downwardly until the lips Il snap into lockedsecurement with the bead 8. -It will be noted from the above that themanner of assembly is so simple that it does not' entail the services ofskilled labor or the use of special tools. How ever, to facilitateseparation of the sections, a tool 24, note Figure 6, is provided whichmay be employed to grip the lip Il and free the latter from the head ilat the bottom channel 6.

In Figures '7 to 10, inclusive, there is shown a type of spring clipwhich is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with covers of thetype heretofore described. This clip comprises interlocking top andbottom members and 26. The top clip member 25 is formed with downwardlybent tension ears 25a and lower unturned locking fianges 25h formed withopenings 25e. The bottom clip 26 is constructed with reinforcing beads25a on the outer face thereof which are `suitably spaced toeffect theretention of the upper member 25 therebetween. The lower face of themember 2E is formed with locking lugs or `ears 2Gb preferably formedfrom the body of the member. In assembling the clip upon a spring thelower member 26 may be positioned about the spring `with the free endsthereof disposed upwardly. The top portion 25 may then be sprung open,positioned upon the member 2B and pressed downwardly between the beads26a and then clamped upon the lower member 26, the ears 26h engaging theopenings 25o to effect the locked securement of the two members. Inassembled relation the ears 25a are suitably bent to serve as tensionmembers between the clip and the spring and these insure a tightanti-rattle connection. This type of clip is preferably used in place ofthe conventional draw bolt clip, since there are no protrusions thereonto interfere with the cover sections A and B when assembled on a spring.

The clip shown in Figure 11 is of a simplified type yet is highlyeffective in performing its function. The body of the clip is generallyindicated at 27 and as shown is ready to be applied to a spring. Thetransverse wall 21a, which may be considered the base of the clip, has achannel 2lb pressed therein, and a tensioning spring 21e is disposed insaid channel and serves to ensure against loosening and rattling of theclip during service. The preferred method of securing this spring inplace is to vform the same with lugs or ears 2id and impress matingrecesses in the metal of the side walls of the channel, the lugs or ears21d being engaged in said recesses and the metal then peened thereoveras indicated at 21e. The side walls of the clip are preferably given anobtuse angle shape with respect to the base or are initially setoutwardly as at 2li to a point about in line with the top of the seriesYof spring leaves to which the clip is to be applied, to facilitateinsertion of the clip over the said leaves. able tool, not shown andwhen the free edge portion of the side walls are bent over the spring,the tool simultaneously bends the walls at 21j The clip may be appliedby a suit-- against the sides of the spring. Ease and rapidity ofinstallation are further important features of'this clip. Y

It will be understood that certain changes and variations in structuremay be adopted in my improved spring cover and coacting parts withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as dened by the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. A cover for leaf springs comprising a plurality of box-like sectionseach of which embodies top and bottom substantially U-shaped channelshaving end portions which telescope with the end portions of thechannels of an adjacent section, each telescoping portion beingV formedwith `interitting rounded joints to permit flexing of the sections whilemaintaining a seal at the joint.

2. A sheet metal cover for leaf springs comprising a plurality ofbox-like sections each of which embodies top and bottom substantiallyU-shaped channels having end portions which telescope with the endportions of the channels of the adjacent section, each telescopingportion being pressed into complementary reverselycurved bearingsurfaces to provide a hinge joint between the sections.

3. A sheet metal cover for leaf springs having a plurality of box-likesections which telescope into one another at their adjacent extremitieseach of which comprises a channel member formed with an arcuate jointportion in the bottom wall thereof and top anges also formed witharcuately-formed joint portions, and a col acting channel member adaptedto fit over the first-named channel member and formed witha complementalarcuately-formed joint portion in the top wall thereof which coacts withthe joint formed in said flanges.

4. A coverV for leaf springs comprising a plurality of relatively longbox-like sections each of which comprises top and lbottom substantiallyU-shaped channels having end portions which telescope with the endportions of the channels of an adjacent section, said end portions beingformed with complementary arcuate bearing surfaces to define telescopinghinge joints therebetween, the radius of the joint portion of onechannel remaining constant in all like channels while the radius of thecomplemental joint portion of the telescoping channel is longer than theradius of the first-named joint portion when taken from a commontransverse center to facilitate variation of the joint in accordancewith different cross-sectional sizes of sections.

5. A sheet metal cover for leaf springs comprising a plurality ofbox-like sections adapted to telescope into one another at theiradjacent extremities, one of said sections comprising a bottom channelmember having an arcuate joint portion formed in one extremity of itsbottom wall and top flanges also having arcuate joint portions formedtherein, said flanges being provided With means for slidably lockingthem to the flanged joints of the channel member of a complementalsection to assist in holding the channel members against separation.

6. A sheet metal cover'for leaf springs having a plurality of box-likesections which telescope into one another at their adjacent extremities,one of said sections comprising a bottom channel member having anarcuate joint portion pressed into one extremity of its bottom wall andtop flanges also having joint portions formed therein, said anges beingformed with projecting lugs adapted to be bent over and engage theflanged joints of the channel member oa complemental section to assistin holding the channel members against separation. Y

5 7. A cover for leaf springs having a plurality of relatively longbox-like sections each of which comprises top and bottom substantiallyU-shaped Ichannel members having end portions which telescope into theend portions of the channel mem- 10 bers of an adjacent section, eachtelescoping end portionrbeing formed withintertting rounded joints topermit flexing of the sections, the bottom channel member being formedwith snapon beads which extend longitudinally alongthe 15 bottom Wallthereof and terminate in said 'joint portion and the top channel memberbeing formed With side walls which snugly fit over the side Walls of thebottom channel member and terminate in hooked ang'es adapted to engagesaid snap-on beads.

8. A Cover for leaf springs comprising a plurality of lbox likesections, each of which embodies body and cap members in the form ofU-shaped channels having end portions which telescope With the endportions of the body and cap members of an adjacent section, eachtelescoping end portion being formed with intertting rounded joints topermit flexing of the sections while maintaining a seal at the joint,and means carried by one body member to secure said body members to eachother in said telescoped end portions.

" GEORGE W. CRABTREE.

